Which Roadside Help Would You Trust More: AAA or Your Insurance Company?

Couldn’t agree more about the CLUE report thing - learned that the hard way after a flat tire fiasco. I called my insurance roadside once, and next renewal, my agent’s grilling me about “recent claims.” It was a $60 tow, not a bank heist. AAA’s slow, but at least they’re not tattling to the insurance overlords. For my old Mustang, I’d rather wait an hour than risk a rate hike over something silly. Just wish AAA had a “classic car” fast lane...

Honestly, I’ve seen way too many folks get dinged for tiny roadside claims - your $60 tow is a textbook example. I get why people stick with AAA or even pay out of pocket. Insurance companies love their “data points,” but it’s not always fair. Still, I will say, if you’re stranded in the middle of nowhere, sometimes that insurance roadside is faster... but you’re right, it’s a trade-off. For a classic ride, I’d play it safe and wait.

Had a buddy who filed a tiny roadside claim through his insurance - like, under $100 - and his rates jumped at renewal. Since then, I just keep AAA for peace of mind. Insurance is too quick to hold stuff against you, even the small things.

Insurance is too quick to hold stuff against you, even the small things.

I had something similar happen - locked my keys in the car, figured I'd just use my insurance's roadside since it was "included." Next renewal, my rate crept up. Now I only use AAA for any little mishaps. Insurance companies really do keep tabs on everything, even those tiny claims most folks would think are harmless. If it's not a big emergency, I just avoid involving insurance altogether.

I hear you on that -

Insurance companies really do keep tabs on everything, even those tiny claims most folks would think are harmless.